Melanoma is the most serious and deadly type of skin cancer with a lifetime risk of developing among 70 out of 100 Americans. To reduce risk, doctors advise to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m and 2 p.m when the sun's rays are strongest. But it is a misconception to believe that melanoma occurs only with too much sun exposure, or that it occurs only on sun-exposed areas.
Melanoma results from a combination of environmental and genetic factors and can occur in areas not commonly exposed to sun, such as the genital area or on the scalp underneath hair. Staying out of the sun or tanning beds and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (which protects against both UVA and UVB radiation from the sun) can offer important protection. Sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 is the most recommended. Wearing protective clothings also helps, like a wide-brimmed hat and
tightly woven clothes to protect your arms and legs.
Be watchful of any moles in your body that are: asymmetrically shaped; have a border that's notched, scalloped, or otherwise irregular; nonuniform in color; larger than one-fourth inch across; or changing or growing. Consult a primary care doctor or dermatologist once a
small lesion is found.
